Soldier, two others killed in high-speed wreck

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Lillington, N.C. — A Fort Bragg soldier and two other people were killed Tuesday in a three-car wreck in southern Harnett County, authorities said.

Sharon Southerland, 20, of Fort Bragg, and Ashley Marie Richardt, 21, and Abraham Ryan Lowe, 18, both of 301 Mamie Ferguson Drive in Lillington, died in the wreck, which occurred shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday about 14 miles south of Lillington, said Trooper G.D. Steffens of the state Highway Patrol.

Southerland was speeding south on N.C. Highway 210 near State Road 2050 when she lost control of her car on the rain-slicked highway and crossed the center line, Steffens said. Her car collided with a northbound vehicle driven by Timothy Evans, 38, of Spring Lake, Steffens said.

Evans was listed in critical condition at Cape Fear Valley Hospital.

The posted speed limit along that stretch of N.C. 210 is 45 mph, Steffens said, adding that he estimated Southerland's car was traveling at about 90 mph.

A third car, driven by George Tracy, 37, of Raleigh, was struck by flying debris from the collision.

Richardt and Lowe were passengers in Southerland's car, and all three were wearing seat belts, Steffens said.

sidecutterNov 5, 2008

The frontal lobe of a 20 year old is not fully developed so it is difficult for them to associate their actions with consequences.

pulstar40Nov 5, 2008

Hope the two innocent people...the one whose car was directly hit and the other hit by the flying debris are doing okay. And I can't imagine the sorrow of the families of the two who weren't driving. Why would anyone be doing 90 in a 45?

makeitrightNov 5, 2008

90 mph. In the rain no less - in a 45 zone no less. What a senseless loss. I wish these people would wake up.

SidekickNov 5, 2008

Alcohol did not play a role. It musta been the 90 MPH! and an inexperienced driver.

PantherNov 5, 2008

Sounds like the driver suffers from Too much Attitude! or lack of altitude. Sometimes people forget that your driving on the roadway NOT the Runway!!!

LibertarianTechieNov 5, 2008

Speed kills--does it every time!

k9sandQtrsNov 5, 2008

maybe that alive at 25 program should be extended to include the military!